A last-minute donation from a union may have saved a university student's Indigenous 'cultural camp.'

Kaella Marie Earle's attempt at organizing the Manitoulin Island event — a camp to build relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people — hit a snag. A few days before the event, they had only raised $500 through Kickstarter.

An example of reconciliation

Earle said the donation is an example of people working together for reconciliation.

"Senator Murray Sinclair said in the past few months...that reconciliation isn't just about bringing justice for Indigenous people," Earle said.

"But about fostering relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, which is part of the purpose of the camp."

Earle said they drew 10 participants, mostly non-Indigenous. She said there was also a visitor whose family suffered from the Sixties Scoop, and felt out of touch with his identity.

The attendees learned about medicine teachings, made medicine pouches and discussed Indigenous governance. At the end of the workshop, all participants were welcomed to the Wikwemikong Cultural Festival.

"One of the most beautiful parts was on Saturday night, where there was a round dance, where everyone holds hands," Earle said.

"I think it was at that point when I saw in their faces they were understanding the essence of what our people are. We're culture based in community and the land, and my heart was happy to see that."